Oslo

Oslo is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, thanks to the country’s thriving oil industry. This is visible in its glass-covered skyscrapers, its new subway and, of course, in a whole bunch of trendy restaurants, bars and shops. This beautiful city is situated right next to the Oslo fjord and is constantly expanding and developing.

The City

Around the fourteenth century Olso had a population of 3,000 and was the home of King Håkon V, famous for commissioning the Akershus Castle and Fortress. In 1624, the city was destroyed in a large fire. Denmark’s King Christian IV rebuilt it, but renamed the city Christiania. In 1925, the name was changed back to Oslo. In the 19th century, Oslo experienced many of the same changes as other large cities across Europe. Industrialisation made its mark on the Akerselva district, and the city grew quickly.

The central parts of Oslo, around the Karl Johans Gate Boulevard and the Royal Palace, are simply referred to as Centrum, the centre. Noteworthy sights in this area are the Stortinget Parliament building and Oslo Cathedral. Akershus castle and fortress are located in the heart of the city right next to the Oslo fjord. Another big tourist attraction is Aker Brygge, right across the water from Akershus fortress. Here you can find restaurants, shopping malls, cosy promenade areas and the terminal for the Nesodden boats.

Kvadraturen is a historical area with seventeenth century Danish buildings not far from it. Trendy Grünerløkka district at Akerselva offers some of the better bars and shops. Neighbouring Grønland is known for its colourful and multicultural range. Frogner and Majorstuen, in western Oslo, are fashionable parts of the city with shops and restaurants that attract many people.

Do & See

Oslo is a lively city that will never leave you bored or in dire need of things to do. There are frequently festivals and concerts all around the city. Each season has its own charm and there is just as much activity in winter time as in the summer.

Øvrevoll Galopp

The National Gallery

HL-senteret

Munch Museum

Historical Museum

Viking Ship Museum

DogA

The Kon-Tiki Museum

Tjuvholmen

The National Museum - Architecture

Norwegian Maritime Museum

Lake Sognsvann

Bygdøy

Oslo City Hall

Tusenfryd Amusement Park

The Royal Palace

The Botanical Garden

Dining

Oslo is a exceptionally modern capital with a large variety of ethnic cuisines, fast food outlets, gourmet restaurants and classic eateries such as Theatercaféen. Prepare for high prices, for oil revenue have made Oslo into one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri

Brasserie Sanguine

The Ekeberg Restaurant

Louise Restaurant & Bar

Theatercaféen

Palace Grill

Alex Sushi

The Great India

Delicatessen

Trattoria Popolare

Hanami

Night Hawk Diner

Bølgen & Moi Briskeby AS

Yaya's Restaurant Vika

Cafés

Oslo has a teeming urban scene and enjoys a proximity to sublime landscapes; every one of the city's districts has its own characteristic mark. Hence you can easily find a cosy cafe in Oslo to rest your legs.

Café Sør

Pascal

Café Skansen

Asylet

Ett Glass

Hjemme Hos Svigers

United Bakeries

Fuglen

Stockfleths

Cafe Sara

Café Laundromat

Pastel de Nata

Javelin Coffee & Tea

Espresso House

Bars & Nightlife

Oslo has a lot of fun places to go for a night out on the town. The city's neighbourhoods have different characteristics. The central area has a lot to offer, but if you want a more relaxed evening you should head to Grünerløkka for a beer. In Grønland you can buy the cheapest beer in Oslo, while Frogner offers a more elegant atmosphere.

Dubliner Irish Folk Pub

Sosialen

Aku-Aku

Justisen

Blå

The Villa

Fridays American Bar

Champagneria

Dattera til Hagen

Magic Ice Bar

Bar Boca

Shopping

You will find everything in Oslo: shopping malls, department stores, small boutiques, shopping streets with hundreds of small shops and retailers, charming antique shops, flea markets, suppliers of exclusive international brand names and local handicraft shops. The city centre around Karl Johans gate is a pedestrian precinct with several global chains like H&M and Benetton. Larger shopping malls and department stores in the area are Oslo City, Byporten, Glassmagasinet, Steen & Strøm, Paleet and Aker Brygge.

Sunday Market at Blå

Paleet

Eger Karl Johan

Byporten

Aker Brygge

Arkaden

Flea Market

Oslo City

Steen & Strøm

Bærums Verk

Norway Shop

Essential Information

Passport/Visa

Norway can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Gardermoen Airport

Oslo’s main airport Gardermoen is situated 50 kilometres north of the Norwegian capital. The airport coaches and high-speed trains depart regularly for central Oslo. The train takes about 20 minutes and there are two trains to choose from: the Airport Express Train (Flytoget - www.flytoget.no/flytoget_eng) and NSB – Norwegian State Railways (www.nsb.no/en/frontpage). There are also several buss to take from the airport, and one of them is Airport Express Coach (SAS Flybussen) that runs
every 20 minutes every day between the airport and city centre. (www.flybussen.no)

Taxis are represented at the airport, just head over to the taxi information desk in the arrival hall where you will get information about the fixed rates of the different taxi companies. They can also help you book a taxi, otherwise the taxi rank is just outside the arrival hall.

Car rental companies at the airport:

Avis
+47 67 25 55 10

Europcar
+47 64 81 05 60

Oslo Taxi
+47 02323

Address: Gardermoen Airport, Oslo

Email: passasjerservice@avinor.no

Phone: +47 64 81 20 00

Website: www.avinor.no/flyplass/oslo

Sandefjord Airport Torp

Sandefjord Airport Torp is located in Sandefjord, approximately 120 kilometres south-west of Oslo city centre. Torp-Ekspressen coaches will take you to Oslo's bus terminal from the airport. (torpekspressen.no)

NSB has a train service to Oslo that runs from the train station by the name of Torp, located between Stokke and Sandefjord. There is a connected shuttle bus service between the airport and the train station that takes approx. 4 minutes.

Taxis and car rental companies are also represented at the airport.

Avis
+ 47 33 46 95 50

Europcar
+ 47 33 46 42 00

Vestfold Taxisentral
+ 47 33 42 02 00

Tønsberg Taxi
+ 47 33 30 11 11

Address: Sandefjord Airport, Oslo

Email: post@torp.no

Phone: +47 33 42 70 00

Website: www.torp.no

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Oslo is in the late spring and during the summer, as the temperatures rise and you can enjoy the numerous outdoor activities; it can still get chilly, however, so make sure to bring a jacket. Spring and summer are some of the most popular seasons to travel to Oslo, especially May to July. During this period, you will experience nearly 24 hours of daylight.

For those who are interested in winter sports, November to April are good periods to visit. In the north of the city, there are great skiing opportunities but be aware the temperatures are around freezing and the daylight hours are short.

Public Transport

Oslo has convenient public transportation, and there are multiple options for travelling around Oslo, including busses, trams, subways, ferries, and local trains. The public transport system is operated by Ruter, and they are all part of the same ticketing and pricing system. Tickets can be purchased from Ruter's Customer Service Centre (in front of Oslo Central Station), from ticket machines at metro stations or in most Narvesen and 7Eleven stores. Single tickets can be bought on the busses and ferries, but be aware it gets more expensive than tickets bought in advance. There is also the Ruter's mobile ticket app where you can buy single, 24-hour, 7-day and 30-day tickets before boarding.

Otherwise, it is easy to get around Oslo by walking and biking due to the short distances.

Address: Jernbanetorget 1, Oslo

Email: post@ruter.no

Phone: +47 40 00 67 00

Website: www.ruter.no

Taxi

You can easily catch a taxi from one of Oslo’s many taxi stands or call ahead to book. Do not try to hail cabs on the street, fares are more expensive from taxi stands than if you book one by telephone.

Oslo Taxi
+47 02323
www.oslotaxi.no

Norgestaxi
+47 080 00
www.norgestaxi.no

Taxi2
+47 02202
www.taxi2.no

Post

In addition to the regular post offices, many grocery stores have a postal service. Stamps are also available from most newsagents and tobacconists.

Address: Extra Sagene, Thurmanns gate 12 A, Oslo

Phone: +47 22 40 90 50

Website: www.posten.no

Pharmacy

There are several small and big outlets around the city. The pharmacy Vitusapotek on Jernbanetorget is open around the clock.